As a pediatric oncologist, I specialize in the care of children, adolescents and young adults with hematologic malignancies and lymphoma, particularly those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. My specific interest is in caring for patients with AML, relapsed or refractory AML, and in using comprehensive leukemia genetic data to aid in therapy selection.
Since I was a young child, I have always wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and become a physician. I enjoy taking care of patients with complex conditions across various locations in the hospital — from the outpatient clinic to the intensive care unit. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to form long-lasting relationships with patients and their families and to help them through their cancer journey and into survivorship.
Part of what drew me to oncology is the ability to care for the patient as a whole. My goal is to provide compassionate, cutting-edge cancer treatment, symptom management and psychological support to both my patients and their families, because the diagnosis of childhood cancer and its treatments effect the entire family. I strive to involve many specialized team members to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible quality of life while patients are on their treatment journey and after its completion.
I’ve received the following awards and recognitions:
- John H. Gladney, MD Diversity Award, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2013
- Rodney M. Coe Distinction in Community Service Award, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2013
- Arthur E. McElfresh Award in Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2013
- Award for Excellence in Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 2016
- Chief Fellow, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Marrow Transplant, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 2018
- First Place, 13th Annual Medical College of Wisconsin Fellow Research Day, 2019
With my research, I am trying to improve survival outcomes for patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia through the clinical investigation of novel therapeutic agents and new combinations of therapeutic agents. In addition to improving survival, I am also interested in decreasing the long-term toxicities associated with our current therapies.
I enjoy spending my free time outdoors with my family as well as cooking and cycling.